Minimum age of blood donation increased to 18 years

Up until recently, the minimum age for whole blood donation in Australia was 16 years. However, we’ve now transitioned to a minimum age of 18 years.

Why did this happen?

Looking after the health and wellbeing of our donors is a priority that underpins the decisions we make as an organisation.

In 2014 the Blood Service increased the donation interval from 12 weeks to one year for donors aged 16 and 17 years. This was based on Blood Service research that indicated younger donors have lower iron stores. This change allowed younger donors more time to replace their iron after donation.

A recent international study has confirmed our earlier findings and has provided us with sufficient evidence to suggest a further policy change is appropriate.

The new policy ensures that younger donors aren’t losing iron through blood donation at a critical time in their growth and development.

We are confident that this change will not impact our ability to secure Australia’s blood supply.

The policy change will not impact donors who need to have blood taken for their own treatment (therapeutic venesection)